Indiana University Athletics
A Worthwhile Experience (2-3-03)
2/3/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Rowing
February 3, 2003
A Worthwhile Experience
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Bloomington, Ind. - On Friday, Feb. 1, members of the Indiana women’s rowing team competed in the 20th annual Bop to the Top stair climb in Indianapolis, Ind. The 37-floor race to the top of the AUL Tower raised $53, 000 for the Riley Hospital for Children.
The experience was very demanding physically but more fulfilling mentally. Below are some reactions from the event.
Sarah Meyer (Varsity Rower)
"The stairclimb on Saturday was one of the proudest moments I have experienced as a member of the IU Women's Rowing team. The mere act of traveling to Indianapolis to participate in the race showed a great care and concern for the community and, specifically, for Riley Hospital for Children. I am so proud of and impressed with everyone who willingly and readily participated, and I was particularly pleased with everyone's enthusiasm about the event. I am honored to be a part of such an amazing organization as IU Crew."
Maria Hernandez (Novice Rower)
“The stair climb was extremely physically hard to me. However, knowing that it was for a good cause and that I had other teammates doing the same thing for the same reasons helped me to keep going. After the stair climb, some of us got to hang out, and I do think we got a little closer, because out side of practice, I rarely see other rowers.”
Erin Koers (Varsity Rower)
“I think the stair climb provided us a chance to try something new outside our normal practice environment. The race itself went pretty quickly, though the muscles were definitely feeling it pretty soon into the race. I'm happy our team was able to support such a good cause, and we were able to explore Indy afterwards. It was a good afternoon, allowing us to get away from campus for a bit. I hope we continue such activities. Slowly but surely, the Novice and Varsity are getting to know each other. I think we have a really great group of girls to work with. This season is going to be good.”
Amanda Walker (Varsity Rower)
“I was proud of all of us for ‘bopping to the top.’ Even though the climb only took six or seven minutes, it was still a challenge. Each time I passed a volunteer cheering me on and telling me ‘good job,’ I was reminded of the fact that our efforts were helping the children at Riley, some of who aren't able to run (or even walk) up stairs and would LOVE the opportunity. I know that Riley longs to serve the needs of every child regardless of their financial needs, and they do! It's awesome that our team came together for just a great cause. Thanks Sarah for getting us all involved!”
Katie Slavik (Novice Rower)
“Overall, I had a really great time at the stair climb. The actual race was a lot harder then I was expecting. When I was finished though, I felt good and was happy to be doing something for such a good cause. It was also fun to hang out with the girls in Indy for a couple hours. We went to the mall to eat lunch and shop around a little. It was a good bonding experience.”
Jamy Stech (Novice Rower)
“I thought that the stair race was an amazing experience. It was great to see people of all ages from all over the state coming together for the same cause. I think it also brought us a little closer as a team and provided a great opportunity for us to support a worthy cause.”
Jennifer Johnson (Novice Rower)
“I thought the stair climb was a great way for the team to come together and make a difference in our extended community. It was a tough climb to the top, but the recovery was quick. I would have done it again in a second knowing that I was helping raise money for a great cause. I hope the team continues to participate in events like this in the future.”
Nilaja Neely (Novice Rower)
“The overall experience was fun. I did push myself a little harder than I expected. The race was hard but accomplishable. I am very happy that I got a chance to meet a child who benefits from the Riley Hospital Benefit. His mom was standing in line behind me, while the team was picking up their numbers in the pre-registered line. She was telling me how her two sons were going to climb the stairs with her. One of her sons was a patient in the Riley Hospital for several months. She came to me just after I finished my 37 flights to ask me how I did. It was that moment I was glad that I decided to do the race.”
Lauren Anderson (Novice Rower)
“The stair race was a lot of fun. The team was in a great mood and everyone worked hard and encouraged each other. It was definitely challenging running up 37 flights of stairs, but it was for a good cause. I am glad that we were able to be a part of this race and raise money to help the Riley Children's Hospital.”
Annie Lawson (Varsity Rower)
“The stair climb wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. While I was doing it it seemed really hard, but after I was finished it just felt good. It was also really cool because most of us participated in the team division, and we had teams with members from both Varsity and Novice squads. It was nice doing something with them, so we felt like we accomplished something as a whole crew, rather than two separate squads.”
Thursday, August 13
Thursday, August 13
Wednesday, August 12
Wednesday, August 12